Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball
A creamy, spicy, and crowd-pleasing appetizer inspired by classic jalapeño poppers. Shaped like a football and coated with a crunchy topping, this cheese ball is perfect for game day, parties, or casual gatherings.
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- spoon or spatula
- plastic wrap
- knife
- cutting board
- serving platter
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped
- 1 fresh jalapeño, finely diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 6-8 slices cooked turkey bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 2-3 tbsp extra crumbled turkey bacon
- 1 tbsp finely diced jalapeño (for coating)
- thin strips of Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese (for decoration)
Instructions
- Cook turkey bacon until crispy, then cool and crumble. Finely chop jalapeños and slice green onions. Ensure cream cheese is softened.
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, jalapeños, green onions, garlic powder, and most of the turkey bacon until well combined.
- Transfer mixture to plastic wrap and shape into a football. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Combine chopped pecans, remaining turkey bacon, and diced jalapeños in a bowl.
- Unwrap chilled cheese ball and roll in coating mixture, pressing gently so it adheres evenly.
- Decorate with thin strips of cheese to resemble football laces.
- Serve with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
For less heat, remove jalapeño seeds or reduce quantity. Substitute turkey bacon with mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Chill before coating for best shape and texture. Best served slightly softened at room temperature.
Nutrition
Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 7gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 0.7mg
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